Netgear Nighthawk RAXE300 (AXE7800) Review

Performance Comparison

2.4 GHz Throughput

Even if Netgear Nighthawk is capable of 6 GHz data transmission, many peripherals and devices still rely on 2.4 GHz support. Fortunately, the Nighthawk continues to support those devices with a performance that is on par for the course and even outperforms the competition at short distances.

In our 9-foot unobstructed and 9-foot obstructed throughput tests, the Nighthawk RAXE300 blew the competition away, providing data rates of 146 to 112 MBits.

At the 35-foot distance test, this model was unable to maintain the incredible performance from the 9-foot tests but still provided average data rates compared to the rest of the test group. At 35 feet unobstructed, the Nighthawk supported data rates of 76 MBits per second and 70 MBits when obstructed. Generally, a model focused on the future of data transmission does a more than adequate job of supporting the 2.4 GHz band.

5 GHz Throughput

The Netgear Nighthawk RAXE300 is fairly consistent at doing a decent job across the entire 5 GHz spectrum, with one impressive exception.

In our short-range tests of an unobstructed and obstructed 9-foot distance from the router, this model benchmarked a decent 335 and 334 Mbits, respectively. We also tested data rates at a more typical household peripheral distance of 35 feet, both unobstructed and obstructed. In our testing, the RAXE300 consistently averaged 318 to 313 MBits.

At the greatest distance that we tested, 70 feet, the Nighthawk managed rates of 83.1 Mbits per second, with obstructions. While it wasn't as fast as the fastest model we tested, it is over 15 Mbits per second faster than the average for the test group.

Range

The Nighthawk has an impressive range and outperformed the other models we tested. For the test, we streamed our standard 1080p test video and moved in increments of 10 feet for both bands and measured how far we could go before our test video started buffering or the connection was lost.

On the 2.4 GHz band, this model streamed our 1080p test video out to 150 feet before buffering. On the 5 GHz band, we lost our connection to the router before buffering occurred at an impressive 170 feet.

Ease of Use

Compared to the other models our team tested, the RAXE300, like all the other Netgear products we tested, is below average when it comes to ease of use.

The experience with the initial app setup of the Nighthawk RAXE300 is only average. Netgear encourages using the app to set up the router, as is standard with modern routers, so that is the basis for our testing. However, should you encounter issues using the app, it is also possible to set up the router via a webpage while connected to the router.

Our team ran into several minor annoyances and issues setting up this router. The app occasionally crashes, and it's easy to accidentally or unintentionally tab out of the setup, requiring you to restart the setup process. We also found that the app likes to disconnect and reconnect during setup, which is exacerbated by any existing routers in the vicinity, as you will have to disconnect from those or face worse disruptions to your new router during the process.

We found the mobile interface friendliness to be above average. The mobile interface is easy to navigate and generally very simple to use. We don't feel that the average person will have any real problems changing router settings or understanding the mobile app.

The Nighthawk did an okay job in our PC interface friendliness testing. The user interface is easy to navigate, but the options could be overwhelming for the layperson, as they are pretty advanced. As such, we have a hard time recommending this model for those who simply want to set up the router and start using the internet on all their devices.

Unlike the good and even great parental controls included with other brand routers, Netgear made the unfortunate decision to make parental controls a paid subscription service that adds about 60 dollars per year to your initial investment, increasing the already high price of the Nighthawk RAXE300. This may not be an issue if you don't have kids and the sole user of this router, but it might be for those who want robust parental controls included with the router.

The quality of service (QoS) on the Nighthawk is pretty standard across all the Netgear routers we tested and leaves a little to be desired. With a router that boasts the next evolution in wireless bands for data transmission, our team expected much more robust QoS options and support. The QoS setup can only be accessed by a web login, which is an annoyance when mobile device use is so prevalent for most tasks these days. When you do access QoS from the web page login, the options are limited and lack customizability.

Should You Buy the Netgear Nighthawk RAXE300?

If you own and want to use devices capable of using 6G, and your budget allows it, then the Nighthawk RAXE300 is the WiFi router for you! Things may change as other router models roll out greater support for 6G, but for now, the Nighthawk is one of the only options for WiFi routers with 6G support that doesn't require even more significant investment. Unfortunately, this model also requires a paid subscription service to Netgear for parental controls. If this model is already close to breaking the bank and you need parental controls, that service will likely put it over the top.

What Other WiFi Routers Should You Consider?

If you don't need a 6G capable router, then there are a variety of options worth considering, and most are much more affordable than the Nighthawk RAXE300. A good example is the ASUS RT-AX86S (AX5700). We found it was the best all-around dual-band router we tested, providing more than sufficient performance for most users, and it costs significantly less than the RAXE300.

The TP-Link Archer AX55 is also a much more affordable model at less than half the price but performed almost as well as other top dual-band routers.